Thyroid Wars: The Dark Side of Hormonal Imbalances on Health

By Adriana Flores

In a galaxy not so far away, within our bodies, a battle rages between the forces of balance and imbalance. The thyroid, a small but powerful gland in the neck, plays the role of a Jedi, endeavoring to maintain harmony in our physical and mental health. This organ is part of the endocrine system, which is responsible for the correct release of hormones throughout the body whenever needed. The hypothalamus, located in the brain, links the endocrine system to neural function. Glands, like the thyroid, have to be stimulated by hormones released by the pituitary gland, which receives “releasing signals” from the hypothalamus. Then, it can release thyroid hormones (TH) through the bloodstream. Though it may sound exaggerated, this legendary guardian of the Force protects us from being enveloped by a bone-chilling freezing world. However, when the dark side of hormonal imbalances takes over, the consequences can endanger homeostasis, our body's natural state of balance. Whether due to lack or overproduction of TH, thyroid imbalances can lead to many issues within our internal galaxy, such as autoimmune diseases. To understand the depth of this battle, we must delve into how imbalances in thyroid function can upset harmony. These may manifest as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, resulting in notable impacts on physical health, mental well-being, and treatment approaches.

In the battle between light and dark forces within an individual, thyroid imbalances, whether in the form of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can devastate physical health. Physical consequences include heart disease, immunodeficiency, and fluctuations in weight and internal temperature, which are related to the affected metabolism. Thyroid imbalances influence heart function by provoking cardiovascular stress and failure if they are not treated. As stated by the scientific journal Heliyon, “Thyroid hormones have a central role in cardiovascular homeostasis (...) hypothyroidism is a known risk factor for coronary artery diseases (...) at the same level, high serum level of brain natriuretic peptide has been detected in hyperthyroid subjects compared to euthyroid controls.” (4). In other words, lack of TH increases the risk of infarction and hypertension, while an excess might cause the heart to pump insufficient blood. The Dark forces influence the immune system too, tempting it to the Dark side just like Anakin Skywalker. Thyroid dysfunctions are closely linked to comorbidities that affect diseases such as COVID-19 by compromising our defense mechanisms and increasing the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, chronic kidney disease, and hypertension (Kumari, Chainy & Subudhi 7). Metabolism is as important to humans as lightsabers are to Jedis. An unregulated thyroid gland can cause abnormal body temperatures, leading to poor defense against pathogens or environmental challenges (Levine, Pfaff & Fink 261). Moreover, hyperthyroidism increases the basal metabolic rate (more calories needed to maintain body weight). Conversely, hypothyroidism causes weight gain by incrementing the retention of salt and water (American Thyroid Association 2). Any little imbalance in the Force within the Jadi gland can deteriorate our cardiovascular stability, immune function, and metabolic rate. Now, having understood the physical implications caused by thyroid imbalances, it is equally important to be aware about how it affects mental health.

The mental consequences of thyroid imbalances can be as significant as the psychological battles between the Jedi and the Sith, affecting both cognitive and emotional well-being. First, it is crucial to know how thyroid hormones (TH) shape the brain structure and function. The thyroid hormone affects the production of neurotrophins and their receptors, essential for neuronal differentiation (the final stage of development of neurons) (Bernal & Nunez 393). Any disruption in the maturation of neural cells impacts cognitive capacity. Such issues include poor attention, inability to concentrate, bradyphrenia (slowness of thought), calculation difficulties, and difficulty understanding complex questions (Harrison & Kopelman 628). This indicates that undiagnosed TH illnesses may lead to academic frustration in students since the symptoms would be more prominent. Regarding emotional performance, depression is more common in hypothyroidism, while irritability, agitation, and aggression may also be present (Harrison & Kopelman 629). The prevalence of depression in patients with lack of TH is supported by a study of Biomedical Research, an international journal of medical science, which established that “the prevalence of depression patients with hypothyroidism (either clinical or subclinical) is found to be 31.57%.” (Ichiro 4). On the other hand, nervousness, fatigue, restlessness, overactivity, and irritability are linked to hyperthyroidism (Harrison & Kopelman 633). For example, a patient with an undiagnosed hyperthyroidism developed an acute psychosis and deliverate self-harm (Wong & Ping Pang). Therefore, there is a clear connection between thyroid function and emotional stability, which plays a pivotal role in the cognitive processes and mental clarity of ourselves. Mental health is a mainstay of our daily lives. Without emotional stability, we cannot be able to react and process events accurately. And if unawareness of hormonal disease continues, we will permit the Dark side to take over our dear gland. Armed with our lightsabers of knowledge and wisdom kindled, we now turn our attention to the strategies for restoring harmony in this thyroid hormone fight.

Medical interventions aim to restore harmony in thyroid function, offering various treatments for hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, just as the Jedi seeks balance in the Force. Management of hypothyroidism differs from that of hyperthyroidism: the former involves administering thyroid hormones, usually levothyroxine. It is based on the patient's weight, with doses adjusted in increments of 25-50 mcg (Ajjan & King 182), making it a personalized and straightforward treatment. Hyperthyroidism, on the contrary, has multiple treatment options: medical therapy to control the excessive TH production, radioactivity to decrease hormonal activity, or surgery (thyroidectomy) used when the gland is huge and can be concerning for cancer (Ajjan & King 176). Surgical removal of the thyroid functions like a lightsaber wound, providing a definitive solution for the internal war, but post-surgical management is crucial to address potential complications like nerve damage since the thyroid is vital to neural differentiation. Treatment for TH diseases is important as the consequences can impact our lives both physically and mentally. Dealing with the consequences of untreated hormonal disorders, which can harm self-esteem, is unfair. And just as the Jedi tirelessly seek harmony in the Force, our quest for equilibrium in thyroid function via a range of medical interventions underscores the significance of proactive health maintenance and informed choices.

After exploring the intricate thyroid function and imbalances, we can conclude that since any TH imbalance, whether hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, can impressively impact both our physical and mental well-being, we must emphasize its proper care. Therefore, people and the government must proactively raise public awareness of how to manage their thyroid health and research treatments to improve their quality of life. Moreover, it is important to know that thyroid disorders can affect anyone, as they do not discriminate by age, race, or gender, just like Darth Vader, who killed more than 9,000 Jedi with indifference. Knowledge gives you power, and in this specific case, gives you a better life too. As you continue delving into the health galaxy, may the Force of thyroid health be with you, always, as you navigate the stars of well-being and vitality.

References:

American Thyroid Association. “Thyroid & Weight.” Thyroid.org, 2019, https://www.thyroid.org/wp-content/uploads/patients/brochures/Thyroid_and_Weight.pdf

Bernal Juan & Nunez Jacques. “Thyroid hormones and brain development.” European Journal Flores 6 of Endocrinology, 1995. Harrison Neil & Kopelman Michael. Lishman's Organic Psychiatry: A Textbook of Neuropsychiatry, Fourth Edition. “Chapter 10: Endocrine Diseases and Metabolic Disorders”, Wiley-Blackwell, 2012. Ichiro Ken. “Prevalence of depression in group of hypothyroid patients and its relationship with the level of hypothyroidism.” Biomedical Research, 32. 2, 2021, 3-4. Kumari Kanchan, Chainy Gagan & Subudhi Umakanta. “Prospective role of thyroid disorders in monitoring COVID-19 pandemic.” CellPress, 2020, https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1525537/FULLTEXT01.pdf

Levine Jon, Pfaff Donald & Fink George. Handbook of Neuroendocrinology. Academic Press, 2011 Ramzi Ajjam & King Rhodri. “Treatment Modalities in Thyroid Dysfunction.” ResearchGate, 2012. Tesfaye Ephrem, Getnet Mihret, Anmut Desalegn, Dagnew Adugna & Maru Lemlemu. “Brain functional connectivity in hyperthyroid patients: systematic review.” Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2024. Wong Haw & Ping Pang Nicholas. “Deliberate self-harm in a patient with hyperthyroidism with acute psychosis.” National Library of Medicine, 14. 10, 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8522669/